Manager, Partnership Marketing

Overview

The Manager, Partnership Marketing will manage the day-to-day execution of all activities within assigned Partner Accounts across Major League Soccer and other SUM properties (i.e., Mexican National Team, Leagues Cup, Concacaf, etc.) along with other departmental projects as needed.  As the key account stakeholder, the Manager will be responsible for delivering the highest level of client service while ensuring that effective activation programs are executed effectively.  The Manager will have a thorough understanding of their clients’ business goals and SUM’s larger business strategy and will apply data/insights to grow the business. 

Responsibilities

• Primary stakeholder for day-to-day contact and account management with partners:
  • Lead weekly calls (including creating agendas and providing recap notes)
  • Facilitate workstreams with internal departments
  • Provide strategic counsel to partners
  • Identify and deliver solutions to partner issues
  • Oversight of asset delivery, tracking, and recapping (i.e. player appearances, tickets, etc.)
  • Facilitate special requests
• Provide strategic oversight of contractual assets including ticket pools, player appearances, pre-game field experiences, on-site activations, etc.
• Support renewal efforts of current partner contracts by sharing insights based on partner conversations, history and relationships
• Proactively generate ideas for new sponsorship opportunities to grow partner business
• Effectively present information to sponsors and internal stakeholders
• Fiscally responsible for the day-to-day management of partner program budgets
• Lead creative approval process for all partner assets
• Maintain partner information in CRM database, ensuring partner contacts, billing information, and assets are entered correctly and updated as needed
• Support the implementation of partner specific media strategies in collaboration with the media team to deliver against brand objectives and KPIs
• Champion team development by communicating job expectations with direct reports and managing the Performance Management process:
  • Plan, monitor, and review performance
  • Coach and counsel employees
  • Develop and implement department procedures and productivity standards
  • Demonstrate/reinforce Company policies and best practices
  • Develop personal growth opportunities for employees

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead special projects as requested and serve as PM department stakeholder on cross-departmental projects and initiatives as needed
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 5+ years of experience in partnership marketing and sponsorship activation required
• Proven experience servicing multimillion dollar partnerships

Required Skills

• High-level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Desired Skills

• Experience managing a direct report preferred
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $80,000 - $88,500, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

Major League Soccer believes in the value of in-person collaboration to support teamwork, creativity, and connection. Employees in this role are expected to work a four (4) day in-office schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely one (1) day each week, based on business and department needs.

Major League Soccer is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Major League Soccer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process, as well as during employment. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources to request assistance.

Join our team and help support the growth and success of Major League Soccer.